6 Qualities Leaders Need to Thrive in an Uncertain World
The current state of things is volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous and that is unlikely to change anytime soon.
But as Gabriella Goddard says in Forbes, managers can work at developing a “dynamic stability” for their teams.
She explains six qualities that are important for creating that sense of steadiness.
Courage
You can’t make decisions unless you have the bravery to do so. And your team can’t be led without those decisions. Bravery comes from understanding your own personal strengths and capabilities.
“Leaders must overcome their doubts and fears and step forward into the unknown,” Goddard says.
Clear vision
When there are so many variables affecting the work you and your team do, the vision and mission of the work must remain clear.
“It gives people a north star, a direction to follow, and a common purpose to unite around,” Goddard explains. “They become less distracted and more focused on channeling their time and energy into achieving this vision.”
Creative thinking
Even with a clear vision, obstacles will pop up that you may not have seen coming. Goddard says that it is essential to be creative in your problem-solving because the same old methods might not work anymore.
Communication
“As a leader, you need to adapt your approach, so your message is heard, digested, and retained. Stories engage people, data helps decision making, compassion fosters unity, and regular reinforcement keeps everyone aligned,” Goddard says.
Collaboration
If you can collaborate, it means you are able to trust your team and they trust you. Having an open line of dialogue is paramount.
“Be empathetic and let people express their feelings,” Goddard recommends. “Bring your team together and make agreements on how to best work together and support each other. When tensions arise, address them quickly by finding common ground.”
Calm Resilience
In these uncertain times, people are looking to their leaders to guide them. That can take a toll on you, so make self-care a top priority so you are able to take care of those around you.
“Accept what you can control and what is out of your control. And when things go off track, press pause and take time to rebalance and realign,” Goddard says.